Tony Collins has published over 1400 books, and racked up innumerable errors. Dozens of titles have failed. He’s been involved in a court case, overlooked bestsellers and offered bad advice. But he has always loved books, and the crafting of books. For more than forty years he has tried to publish books that make a difference. This is his tale. 'Quite frankly, Tony Collins' work is a sheer delight. His writing is crisp, clean, and in some cases quite beautiful. He shares with the reader not only an amazing career – lifetime, really – surrounded by books and writers. He also manages to convey the heart of a patient, kindly, and very passionate gentleman. A marvellous achievement. Highly recommended.' Davis Bunn, international bestselling author 'If you love books and publishing, you’ll enjoy this story about a life with words. Tony tells his tale with relish, perspective, and good humour.' Chip MacGregor , long-time literary agent and former publisher with Time-Warner Fascinating ... a behind-the-scenes look at the making of books and magazines that shaped the lives and faith of thousands. Entertaining and informative. -- Amy Boucher Pye Tony Collins ============ Tony Collins has worked for Hodder & Stoughton, Kingsway, Monarch, Lion Hudson and SPCK. Over the course of his career he has published at least 1400 books, and owned three magazines. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Christian Writers. In the course of several decades, I have made most of the mistakes a publisher can reasonably manage. I have published dozens of unsuccessful books; I have become entangled in a court case; I have launched a magazine which failed dismally; I have allowed my imagination to override my judgement; I have been an enthusiast; I have been a servant of celebrity; I have accepted praise without foundation; I have rejected glittering opportunities; I have overlooked bestsellers; I have given advice I had no business to offer; I have offered unwise encouragement; I have panted along well behind the times. I have twice been made redundant. Three times I have had the grim task of making others redundant. Publishing is not a stable profession. I have reprinted books too often. I offer this in mitigation: I have always loved books, and the crafting of books, and, with one or two exceptions, I have appreciated the company of those who write them. My chosen field of enterprise is Christian publishing. The wider world of books generally ignores this little universe, which operates to its own set of rules, but it is surprisingly vibrant – remarkably so, given the genteelly moribund nature of much of the Western Church – and its sales can be jaw-dropping. It is far from unknown for Christian books to sell in millions. Publishing, like bookselling, like teaching, like Christian ministry, attracts people whose abilities could earn them far greater material reward elsewhere. I have had the privilege of working with women and men of intelligence, integrity, wit, and shining humanity. I have encountered just a few scoundrels, whose faith cloaked a persistent self-interest, but apart from the author, they will probably not appear in this record.